Abstract: An insulating layer (24, 66, 82) is formed over a stack (14) of materials and a semiconductor substrate (12) and an implant is performed through the insulating layer into the semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, spacers (26) are formed over the insulating layer (24), the insulating layer (24) is etched, and heavily doped regions (36) are formed adjacent the spacers. The spacers (26) are then removed and extension regions (50) and optional halo regions (46) are formed by implanting through the insulating layer (24). In one embodiment, the insulating layer (24) is in contact with the semiconductor substrate (12). In one embodiment, the stack (14) is a gate stack including a gate dielectric (18), a gate electrode (16), and an optional capping layer (22). The insulating layer (24, 66, 82) may include nitrogen, such as silicon nitride and aluminum nitride. In another embodiment, the insulating layer (24, 66, 82) may be hafnium oxide.

Abstract: Predetermined regions of a transistor are activated using a buried energy absorbing layer. The buried energy absorbing layer is under a semiconductor layer, in which a transistor is being formed. Amorphous regions are formed within the semiconductor layer on either side of a control electrode and a gate dielectric. An energy source with a wavelength that is not absorbed by the amorphous regions or the control electrode is applied to the transistor and absorbed by the energy absorbing layer. The energy absorbing layer transfers the energy into heat, which is at a temperature greater than or equal to the melting temperature of the amorphous regions and less than the melting temperature of the semiconductor layer. Due to the heat, the amorphous regions melt and recrystallize, thereby becoming electrically active. However, the control electrode does not melt.

Abstract: Techniques for forming gate dielectric layers (702) overlying amorphous substrate materials are presented. In addition, techniques for low temperature processing operations that allow for the use of amorphous silicon in doping operations are presented. The amorphous silicon regions (604, 606) are formed prior to formation of structures included in the gate structure (804) of the semiconductor device, where the gate structures (804) are preferably formed using low temperature operations that allow the amorphous silicon regions (604, 606) to remain in an amorphous state. Source/drain regions (1004, 1006) are formed in the amorphous silicon regions (604, 606), and then the substrate is annealed to recrystallize the amorphous regions.

Abstract: Techniques for forming gate dielectric layers (702) overlying amorphous substrate materials are presented. In addition, techniques for low temperature processing operations that allow for the use of amorphous silicon in doping operations are presented. The amorphous silicon regions (604, 606) are formed prior to formation of structures included in the gate structure (804) of the semiconductor device, where the gate structures (804) are preferably formed using low temperature operations that allow the amorphous silicon regions (604, 606) to remain in an amorphous state. Source/drain regions (1004, 1006) are formed in the amorphous silicon regions (604, 606), and then the substrate is annealed to recrystallize the amorphous regions.